USIDC provides independent, evidence-based counsel to policymakers, institutions, and communities on the sustainable, equitable, and secure development of the internet infrastructure that underpins modern life.
The US Internet Development Council (USIDC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advisory organization dedicated to advancing thoughtful, long-term policies that ensure the internet remains open, reliable, and accessible for all human beings — today and for generations to come.
Founded in 2001, USIDC convenes experts in technology, law, economics, civil society, and public administration to study pressing challenges in internet governance and infrastructure development. Our council produces research, recommendations, and public education materials that inform decision-making at every level.
We do not lobby on behalf of commercial interests. Our mission is purely advisory: to bring rigorous analysis and broad stakeholder perspectives into the policy conversations that shape the internet's long-term trajectory.
USIDC's advisory work is organized around six interconnected pillars that address the full scope of challenges facing the internet over the coming decades.
Ensuring physical and logical internet infrastructure can withstand disruption, support future capacity needs, and remain equitably distributed across urban and rural communities.
Closing the digital divide through policies that expand broadband affordability, promote digital literacy, and guarantee meaningful connectivity for underserved populations.
Preserving the open, interoperable architecture of the internet and supporting participatory governance models that protect the network from undue centralized control.
Developing durable security frameworks that protect individuals, institutions, and critical systems while balancing privacy rights and civil liberties on a connected network.
Analyzing the economic models that sustain internet infrastructure and the policy conditions needed to ensure competitive, innovative, and publicly beneficial digital markets.
Addressing the growing energy demands of internet infrastructure and promoting sustainable technology practices aligned with long-term environmental responsibility.
USIDC conducts ongoing research and convening programs that translate our advisory mission into concrete outputs for policymakers and the public.
A longitudinal research project mapping broadband infrastructure gaps and modeling the economic impact of accelerated universal connectivity over a 20-year horizon, informing federal and state investment frameworks.
An annual convening of technical experts, legal scholars, and civil society representatives to review emerging threats to internet openness and develop consensus recommendations for standards bodies and regulators.
A grant program supporting community organizations in underserved areas working to build local digital literacy, expand affordable access, and bridge generational gaps in internet adoption.
A professional development curriculum for state and local officials, civil servants, and nonprofit leaders who engage with internet policy decisions but lack a technical or regulatory background.
Developing a framework of minimum security standards for critical internet-dependent public services, with model legislation and implementation guidance tailored for state-level adoption.
Examining the environmental footprint of internet infrastructure growth and advising on policy mechanisms — including procurement standards, zoning guidelines, and efficiency benchmarks.
USIDC's advisory board comprises distinguished experts drawn from academia, public service, civil society, and the technical community. Board members serve voluntarily and receive no commercial compensation.
Former Deputy Administrator at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration; professor of technology policy at Georgetown University.
Director of the Center for Digital Inclusion at Howard University; author of landmark studies on broadband access disparities in rural and low-income communities.
Former senior counsel at the FCC; founding member of the American Internet Law Scholars Network; specialist in international internet governance treaties.
Principal engineer with 30 years of experience in backbone network design; contributor to core IETF working groups on protocol standards and capacity planning.
Retired from US Cyber Command; advisory faculty at the Naval Postgraduate School; leads USIDC's work on critical infrastructure protection frameworks.
Environmental economist at UC Berkeley; specializes in the intersection of technology sector growth and sustainable resource use policy.
All USIDC publications are freely available as part of our commitment to open, accessible policy knowledge. Please feel free to contact us anytime to obtain relevant documents.
Report · 86 pages · Infrastructure Resilience, Universal Access
White Paper · 44 pages · Open Standards & Governance
Annual Report · 118 pages · Digital Equity
Policy Brief · 28 pages · Cybersecurity & Trust
Technical Report · 62 pages · Environmental Stewardship
White Paper · 52 pages · Open Standards & Governance
Our advisory scope encompasses the full range of questions that determine how the internet develops over the long term — from technical standards to legal frameworks and community impact.
Ensuring equitable and efficient allocation of radio spectrum to support next-generation wireless networks and rural connectivity.
Developing coherent national standards for user data rights that are consistent, enforceable, and technologically neutral.
Analyzing long-term implications of traffic management practices and preserving a level playing field for internet content and services.
Engaging global internet governance bodies to advance US interests in an open, unified, and interoperable global internet.
Examining the policy implications of AI, edge computing, quantum networking, and other technologies reshaping the internet.
Studying the governance of online platforms and frameworks needed to address systemic harms while protecting free expression.
Focusing research and outreach on persistent connectivity challenges facing rural and tribal communities around the world.
Addressing the security, privacy, and infrastructure demands of the billions of connected devices added to the internet each year.